It’s Michaelle Solages in the 22nd A.D.

Posted
Thursday, November 1, 2018 4:04 pm

The Herald endorses Michaelle Solages, a Democrat from Valley Stream, for the 22nd Assembly District seat.

Solages was first elected to the office in 2012, when the district was formed from parts of other districts. It encompasses Valley Stream, Floral Park, Bellerose Terrace, North Woodmere, Elmont, Stewart Manor and parts of Franklin Square.

She has since listened to her constituents’ concerns and fought for their interests. When Elmont residents opposed the Belmont Park stadium project, Solages demanded that the Empire State Development Corp. hold public hearings, and encouraged ESD to create high-paying jobs for area residents. Then, when Valley Stream residents were outraged over New York American Water’s new conservation rates, Solages co-sponsored a bill to create a State Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate, which would advocate for consumers who are having difficulties with utility companies.

Solages has also advocated for education. She helped steer state money to local school districts for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics programs, as well as a $15,000 grant for a summer music program for the Valley Stream Central High School District. Additionally, after Valley Stream residents noticed a spike in their school tax bills because of the Green Acres Mall PILOT (payment-in-lieu-of-taxes) agreement, Solages proposed legislation to ensure that all Industrial Development Agencies send notice about a PILOT agreement to every district in a centralized school system, not only to the district where the business is located.

Her opponent, Gonald Moncion, a Republican from Elmont, also seems to care about his community. He has served as a community organizer and volunteer. But we believe he needs to better understand the issues before we might consider endorsing him.